PSY 100: Understanding the Self - Module 3: Unpacking the Self

Flashcards covering human anatomy, reproductive biology, sexually transmitted infections, contraception, gender and development, stress management, and self-compassion from PSY 100 Module 3.

How many total chromosomes and chromosome pairs are present in normal human body cells?

Human body cells contain $23$ pairs of chromosomes, making a total of $46$, with one chromosome in each pair inherited from each parent.

What is the anatomical description of the scrotum and the location of the testes?

The scrotum is an outpouching of the lower part of the anterior abdominal wall containing the testes, epididymides, and lower ends of the spermatic cords. The testes develop in the abdomen and descend into the scrotum before birth, with the left testis usually lying lower than the right.

What is the function and literal Latin translation of the ductus deferens?

Also called the vas deferens, it is a long muscular duct that transports spermatozoa from the tail of the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. Its Latin name translates to 'carrying-away vessel'.

What anatomical role does the cervix play during fertilization and childbirth?

The cervix secretes cervical mucus that increases in response to estrogen during ovulation to provide lubrication and sperm transport. At the end of pregnancy, the cervical canal expands to roughly $50$ times its normal width to serve as the birth passage.

What is the fundus of the uterus, and to what extent does the uterus expand during pregnancy?

The fundus is the upper portion of the pear-shaped uterus where pregnancy occurs. During pregnancy, the uterus expands to $10$ to $20$ times its normal size.

Which glands are located within the labia majora to aid sexual intercourse?

The labia majora contain two Bartholin's glands, which provide lubrication during sexual intercourse.

How do hermaphrodites differ from pseudohermaphrodites?

Hermaphrodites possess both ovarian and testicular tissues, whereas pseudohermaphrodites possess accessory reproductive structures that do not match their gonads.

What is the initial physical indicator of puberty in females, and when does menarche typically take place?

The first sign is budding breasts, typically apparent at age $11$, followed by menarche (the first menstrual period) approximately $2$ years later.

What physiological process causes engorgement of genital tissues during sexual excitement?

Vasocongestion, which increases the volume of blood flowing to the genital regions of both males and females, making the areas highly sensitive.

What are the four phases of the human sexual response cycle, and what is the maximum duration of the climax phase?

The four phases are Excitement, Plateau, Climax, and Resolution. The climax phase lasts for only a few seconds, not exceeding $10\,\text{s}$.

What is vaginismus, and how is it clinically treated?

Vaginismus is a powerful spasm of the pelvic musculature that constricts the female reproductive organ, making penetration painful or impossible. It is treated with psychotherapy and gradual dilation using increasingly large cylinders.

What pathogen causes syphilis, and what is the primary symptom of its initial stage?

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Its primary stage is marked by a small, painless ulcer called a chancre, which usually heals within $2$ to $8\,\text{weeks}$.

How does basal body temperature (BBT) change after ovulation occurs?

Before ovulation, BBT averages between $97^\circ\text{F}\,(36.1^\circ\text{C})$ and $97.5^\circ\text{F}\,(36.4^\circ\text{C})$; after ovulation, it rises to $97.6^\circ\text{F}\,(36.4^\circ\text{C})$ to $98.6^\circ\text{F}\,(37^\circ\text{C})$.

How do combined oral contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy?

Estrogen suppresses follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to prevent ovulation, while progesterone reduces the permeability of cervical mucus to block sperm access to ova.

What happens to sperm in males after a vasectomy and to eggs in females after tubal ligation?

After a vasectomy, the testes continue producing sperm, but they die and are absorbed by the body. After tubal ligation, ovulation continues, but eggs are absorbed by the body rather than passing down the fallopian tubes.

How does sociology differentiate between sex, gender, and sexuality?

Sex refers to biological traits associated with being male or female; gender refers to cultural meanings and social roles attached to masculinity and femininity; sexuality refers to sexual attraction, practices, and identity.

Who originally filed the SOGIE Equality Bill in the Philippine Congress, and in what year?

It was first filed in the year $2000$ by then-Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago and then-Akbayan Representative Etta Rosales.

What is the difference between demisexuality and pansexuality?

Demisexual individuals experience sexual attraction only after forming a strong emotional or romantic bond, whereas pansexual individuals experience attraction regardless of sex or gender identity.

What penalties are stipulated for violations of Philippine Republic Act 9262?

Violators of RA 9262 face $1\,\text{year}$ of imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $500{,}000\,\text{pesos}$.

What expansion to the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act was proposed under House Bill No. 4888?

House Bill No. 4888 sought to expand VAWC protections to cover abuse committed against same-sex partners and husbands in heterosexual relationships.

What distinguishes eustress from distress?

Eustress carries positive connotations (e.g., graduation, marriage), energizes, and enhances performance; distress carries negative connotations (e.g., divorce, injury), depletes energy, and reduces performance.

What are the three stages of the General Stress Syndrome?

1. Alarm (mobilization of defensive forces and the fight-or-flight response), 2. Resistance (adaptation and physiological resistance to the stressor), and 3. Exhaustion (depletion of adaptive resources leading to breakdown).

What are the three core elements of self-compassion?

1. Mindfulness (recognizing suffering without judgment or over-reaction), 2. Self-Kindness (offering warmth and understanding rather than self-criticism), and 3. Connectedness (recognizing that mistakes and hardships are shared human experiences).

What are the four primary 'happiness chemicals' and their functional roles?

1. Dopamine (The Reward Chemical), 2. Oxytocin (The Love Hormone), 3. Serotonin (The Mood Stabilizer), and 4. Endorphin (The Pain Killer).

What is andropause, and at what rate does testosterone drop once men reach age 40?

Andropause is a gradual decline in male hormone levels; starting around age $40$, testosterone levels typically decrease by about $1\%$ per year.